Pages

Saturday, 9 April 2016

Live Blog: Royal Tour 2016 Countdown

Hello and welcome to our Royal Tour 2016 Live Blog, we are so pleased you could join us! We'll be here sharing real-time updates, articles of interest, information from reporters on the ground, fashion and a plethora of other updates that may be of interest in the hours leading up to William and Kate's arrival in Mumbai. We expect them to arrival at roughly 11 a.m. (Mumbai time). Don't forget to hit refresh to see the latest updates. :)

07:50 The Duchess is reportedly wearing bespoke McQueen (with thanks to Call me Kate) and her Cassandra Goad earrings. With that, we'll conclude our Live Blog and be back with a new post shortly :)

07:45 Kate and William are given frangipani and rose garlands as they arrived at the Taj Mahal hotel

07:42 A lovely shot from our favourite photographer James Whatling.

07:40 William and Kate's assistant Natasha Archer is photographed arriving armed with luggage.

Nikita Who Writes Twitter

07:35 A nice arrival video from Simon Perry. What do you think of Kate's look?

07:20 Our lovely reader Rebecca reminded me to mention the 'Load More' button in the comments section. If comments exceed a certain number, it is necessary to click it to see the latest comments.

07:15 Kensington Palace shared this on Instagram "Someone's arrived early for tonight's Bollywood party 😉🐘 Preparations underway at the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel in Mumbai".

07:10 I asked Rebecca English if William and Kate will be travelling straight from the Taj to Oval Maidan. She said no, there will be time for them to freshen up after the long flight. I imagine this means a change of outfit for Kate?

06:55 May I just say an enormous thank you to everyone for reading and commenting. Thank you for your lovely comments, it's been wonderful to see you all chatting and hearing your thoughts :)

06:25The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have just landed in Mumbai :)

06:15 The couple are not expected to arrive at the Taj until 12.30 local time, however we may see airport photos. If so, we'll add them here immediately.

06:10 A tweet from Emily Andrews. Not long now...

05:40 Whilst we're waiting for William and Kate to arrive (we're seeing everything from fifteen to fifty minutes suggested as arrival times). The Mail Online shares info on the menu for tonight's gala.

'William likes plain dishes like lasagne and can’t bear spice, but I can reveal that gosht dum biryani, made with mutton and green chillies, is on the menu. Luckily, I hear that the spice levels will be toned down by the Taj Mahal Palace’s chefs. And a milder option is also on offer – chicken butter masala, though the dish is unlikely to appeal to Kate who eats very ‘clean’, low-fat and largely plant-based food. I’m told that the Royal couple will also be offered Indian ‘street food’ during their visit.'

05:30 We are just about ONE HOUR away from the arrival :)

05:20 An interesting article from Time featuring a brief history on royal visits to India can be found here.

04:40 The Duke and Duchess are expected to arrive in Mumbai in two hours!

04:25 What will Kate wear upon arrival in Mumbai? For her arrival in Canada in 2011 she chose a navy Erdem dress, it was Jenny Packham in Singapore in 2012 and a striking red Catherine Walker coat for the beginning of the 2014 tour of New Zealand and Australia. Do you have any predictions for today?

02:50 We chatted a good deal about Indian designers we could see the Duchess choose during the tour. There were a number of solid possibilities we didn't have the opportunity to cover, including Bibhu Mohapatra. The Indian-American designer boasts a famous clientele including First Lady Michelle Obama.

Bibhu Mohapatra

These four looks are divine. The floral prints, the silhouette of the gowns, and use of appliqué are all very Kate.

'Her home is an 8ft x 8ft room that she shares with her parents and six siblings, so the question slum dweller Saniya Puniya Chauhan wants to ask the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge is perhaps glaringly obvious.

“How can they live in such a big house?” mused 10-year-old Saniya as she prepared for one of the most exciting days of her life today when she meets the royal couple in Mumbai. “How do they communicate?” she went on. “How do they call each other? What kind of clothes do they wear?”

The Duke and Duchess can expect to be bombarded with these and similarly frank questions from some of the world’s poorest children when they arrive in India today at the start of their seven-day day tour of the country and of Bhutan.'

Royal reporters visited the slum district where some of the children from Doorstep School will be helped by today's cricket match. Rebecca English noted what a warm welcome she received and shared photos. We'll be discussing Doorstep and other organisations benefiting from some of today's events in our posts throughout the day.

01:40 According to guestimates, William and Kate should be arriving in Mumbai in five hours or so.

00:45 The royal press pack flew to Mumbai yesterday to get organised and prepared ahead of the royals. Emily Andrews shared photos of the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel where William and Kate will be staying. Emily noted: "Lots of painting and cleaning going on today."

Emily also shared a photo of a magnificent Mumbai sunset.

Speaking of the hotel, Victoria Murphy shared this info.

Victoria Murphy Twitter Feed

00:15 The most formal event of the tour takes place this evening at the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel. The star-studded event will be attended by Bollywood royalty. Take a peek inside the ballroom...

'Prince William and Kate will be serenaded by Bollywood's finest when they touch down in India on Sunday at a star-studded fundraiser - and here we take a look at each of them, and their incredible careers. The royal couple will be entertained at the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel in Mumbai by an explosion of Bollywood dancing and music and will schmooze with 200 Indian film, sport and business figures.

They will speak with big Bollywood names Shah Rukh Khan, Aamir Khan, Rishi Kapoor, Aishwarya Rai, Farhan Akhtar as well as cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar. The reception and dinner, planned for Sunday, will raise funds for three charities the Cambridges will have met earlier during their first day in India - Magic Bus, Doorstep, and India's Childline, which support vulnerable children in Mumbai and across India.'

I predict we're going to see sensational red-carpet style from a variety of guests. What will the Duchess wear? We know Kate will wear a gown and jewels. How formal will the look be? Will Kate opt for a traditional look? Let's take a look at Diana attending a banquet during the Wales' 1992 tour of India. Diana opted for a classic Catherine Walker dress and her family Spencer tiara.

We don't expect to see Kate wearing a tiara, but perhaps like Diana she'll stick to a tried and tested designer for the night. If so, there are endless option from the one and only Jenny Packham. I'm hoping to see something colourful and vibrant, are you? Below, the Sequin Contour Gown, the Eyelet Lace Gown and the Floral Embroidered Gown.

Jenny Packham

23:55 As you all know a visit to the Taj Mahal next Saturday will conclude the royal tour. KP said: "The Duke of Cambridge is of course aware of the huge esteem his mother, the late Princess of Wales, is held in India and he appreciates the iconic status of the images that exist of the Princess at the Taj. He feels incredibly lucky to visit a place where his mother’s memory is kept alive by so many who travel there." Claudia shared information on a video of Diana's visit. The Princess noted she found the visit "very healing". The video also offers a glimpse of the crowds and public attention Diana received during the visit.

23:40 For those asking, I'm hearing William and Kate will arrive in Mumbai around 11 a.m (Mumbai time) this isn't officially confirmed though.

23:30 A look at the weather in Mumbai today.

23:20 The Taj Mahal Palace Hotel shared a video on Twitter and wrote "The stage is set at #TajMahalPalace to welcome TRHs on their maiden visit".

23:05 Rebecca English wrote a fun piece for the Mail Online discussing style possibilities...for Prince William. The article reports William has been stocking up on a new wardrobe at Mr Porter; it is not known what the Prince ordered but the article pictures William sporting several trendy looks. :)

The articles also discusses Kate's tour wardrobe.

'For their India and Bhutan trip, Kate is expected to go through two or three changes a day over seven days – up to 21 different looks in all. Armfuls of clothes have been arriving at Kensington Palace on almost a daily basis for her to try, new luggage has been bought and her personal hairdresser, Amanda Cook Tucker, will accompany her.'

On Twitter, Rebecca elaborated on information she has heard about Kate's tour wardrobe including news we will not see the Duchess wearing traditional dress.

It came as no surprise to see Erdem mentioned. Kate debuted the designer during the Canada tour in 2011 and has worn his designs on every tour since. The designer's love of floral prints and elegant silhouettes very much fits in with royal tour style. Below we see the Mara Dress, the Fabrizia and the Dora.

Erdem

Another tour favourite Roksanda Ilinic is reportedly on the cards, as well as British label Madderson London. In terms of shoes, "size 5 1/2 Kate has been looking at Gianvito Rossi, Jimmy Choo and Russell and Bromley". Rebecca concluded her exclusive information with word new luggage and rucksacks have been purchased from English firm Chapman bags.

23.00 There's been an abundance of stellar coverage focusing on various aspects of the tour in recent days. One article I particularly enjoyed was a piece in the Telegraph entitled "What Diana's advisor says the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge can expect from India". The piece reflects on Charles and Diana's trip to India in 1992 and features a first-hand perspective on the behind-the-scenes moments of the tour and significance of them.

'From my perspective as “the producer of the Diana show” (in Lord David Puttnam’s generous phrase), I’ll never forget the feeling, no matter how many trips you did, as the minutes to arrival count down and the tension goes up. Then, when that aircraft door opens, India will burst upon them in a blast of foreign sounds and strange-scented air.

I remember trying to ignore the butterflies in my tummy and get the right expression on my face because, after all those weeks of planning, reconnaissance and painstaking preparation, here comes the big exam. Have we remembered all the crucial Foreign Office briefing notes (and NOT left them in the seat pocket).

Has every single earring, shoe-tree, sock and silk hankie made the journey with us, or are they still in Kensington Palace? Too late now. Shoulders back, everyone - and stick on those smiles: this is curtain up and the world is watching.

I bet the world likes what it sees. This is British royalty doing its job, boosting UK plc and allowing us all to feel just a little bit special. This is no holiday junket, no taxpayer-funded freebie in the sun: this is top-level international good manners in action and damned hard work.'

22.55 FYI: We've added a clock sharing the time in India on the sidebar. We've also updated 'Kate's Upcoming Dates' to briefly list all engagements. A detailed royal tour itinerary can be viewed here. With several posts per day, you can view all of our posts from the tour on the Royal Tour Spring 2016 page.

22.50 The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are currently on a flight to Mumbai according to various reports.

I am beyond excited about the tour starting and just as excited about the amazing coverage I know Charlotte will have for us. I am checking into hospital on Monday morning for a rather involved surgery and the tour will be a wonderful distraction. I am excited!

I have honestly missed the "company" of many of the steady commenters on the blog lately. Just needed a break from the negativity and now I need a distraction from "real" life. One thing that never changes is the caliber of Charlotte's blog. It is truly amazing.

We sure do Charlotte, take good care of yourself. I am excited to be watching this with everyone. It is 5:30 pm Saturday in California. I have friends coming over for dinner, at 7, but I will be keeping up with all of you.

Charlotte thank you in advance for the superhuman and extraordinary work you'll be doing this week!

I thought the Telegraph piece by Patrick Jephson (Diana's private sec) was very good. There's also a clip on YouTube from Diana's visit to the Taj Mahal, where she makes the remarks to the press, you all might enjoy that as well.

I've often heard from journalists and staff that the hardest job in the world is to go on tour with Prince Charles! I remember one person saying they felt they had to go in training leading up to it, as if they were doing a marathon, because of the amount of engagements Charles fits in.

I've never followed one of William & Kate's tours before so this will be interesting, and it will be great to have it all covered here in one place. I'm looking forward to checking in :)

Nothing could top the tour that came next in South Korea! That was just awful, no hiding anything anymore. I remember one of Diana's close friends said they actually told her she should have behaved better for the sake of all the people who came out to see her/them, no one wants to see Mr. and Mrs. Glum as Dickie Arbiter put it :) And Diana didn't speak to her friend for a month after that! It was Rosa Monckton or Lucia Flecha di Lima I believe... correct me if I'm wrong.

Of course it didn't help that the rumors about the Andrew Morton book were swirling that year as well, and then it actually came out that summer I think, in between both tours. What a time, it's almost unbelievable when you look back at it all...

Dickie Arbiter talks about it at length in his book as well, and how all the questions on tour were about the book and he had to take them to Diana. More interesting insight about what goes on behind the scenes! Some excerpts are out there if you want to hit Google :)

It must have been such a hard time for all involved. Charles and Diana themselves must really have been hurting, hard for the kids, but also for the other royals, their staff, the press etc. While it made money for the press, it must still have been quite a situation to be present in. I (obviously) do not remember any of it, but have learnt it afterwards and it was really a messy situation which came to it's head with the tragic end. What a whirlwind it must have been!

I do think that theory and your "life in reverse" theory are your best arguments royalfan :) Though as I've said, no one needs to jump to Charles/Anne levels, they could speed up even a little without going off the rails... and I'm actually a little concerned that their method may be backfiring a bit, especially as far as Kate's confidence/comfort level etc. But I'll leave it there so no one accuses us of trying to take the thread into the work discussion!

Rebecca, it was bizarre and unbelievable, and so much of it was self inflicted and unnecessary, a very sad time more than anything I think. When Morton's book first appeared in the Sunday Times I thought "wow someone's out to get her"... but when Diana was photographed visiting her good friend Carolyn Bartholomew, one of the prime sources, we all knew something was going on.

Imagine today if someone had a story about Kate being in an awful marriage and named Pippa as the source! That's what it was like, you just couldn't believe it. And then everything unraveled... be glad you missed it :)

So excitet about the tour! The live blog ist really a great idea, Charlotte! I start work again on Monday. I guess it requires a certain amount of self-discipline not to check this blog all the time... :-)

I am hoping that the dazzle and shine exhibited in the Canada and South East Asia tours will return to the Cambridges on this tour. If anything, the weather might give Catherine a glow or sheen! Cannot wait for the engagements and the fashion discussions then ensue.

Thank you, thank you Charlotte--I was completely befuddled at time conversions (I am on Pacific time right now--we don't change clocks in Arizona.) So it will be about 10:00 p.m. when we get the first news about the Cambridges in India. How exciting!

Thanks Bluhare you are right, it is 7:20 pm here and according to my phone it is 7:50 am in Mumbai. I looked up commercial flights to India and it is a 9-hour journey. They often fly British Airways, wonder if they did this time?

So a friend just texted me asking me what I'm doing tonight (WYD), and I told her I am busy watching the start of the Royal Tour and living blogging on here....She hasn't answered yet, she probably thinks I'm crazy!

I really hope Kate wears a tiara but I am sure she won't. Do you think if she was the Princess of Wales, like Diana was when she was in India, that she would wear a tiara like Diana did, or are tiara wearing days like those over? I am super excited about this tour. I really like the middle Jenny Packham dress, but I imagine Kate would have the neckline altered if she wore it.

Actually, I think people would love it but how to get back to that point? I don't think it will happen here - the majority of engagements are quite informal. But the clothes Charlotte has shown are marvellous - can't wait to see.

Charlotte, thank you for this beautiful vigil. William and Catherine might be quite amused or even really touched if they knew how many people from around the world are watching over their sleep right now. Sleep well, George & Charlotte, too, and those looking after you.

I love the blue temperley with the pearls in her hair. I think one of her most obvious princess moments. Perfect ensemble for the perfect occasion. I'm hoping for more moments that scream princess whether they be tiara or just demure, royal perfection.

She also wore a navy blue outfit similar to the white that I white liked.

I don't know if my last reply posted or was eaten by the internet underworld.

The blue temperley with the pearls in her hair was a perfect princess moment for me. The perfect ensemble for the perfect occasion. I am hoping to see a few more perfect princess moments during this tour. Whether they are full on tiara appearances or just a demure princess moment.

She also wore a navy blue outfit similar to the white that I white liked and wouldn't mind seeing here.

Charlotte...Not enough words to thank you for all the hard work you are about to put it. Please know how much we truly appreciate it, This live blog is going to make my day. Sadly...tonight and every night this week is going to be late ones I suspect. Oh...who needs sleep?! This is going to be fantastic...!

I echo this statement! Mine is pre-op anxiety and plain old insomnia but this blog is amazing any time you post but during tours you simple dazzle us. You are certainly someone special and the joy and lift you bring to my life, and others, can't be measured. Just know that what you do matters to me and I would venture to say that it does to others quite a great deal as well.

Happy Tour Kickoff Everybody!:) I'm Sooooo Excited! Charlotte I can't imagine all the prep work, research & curating you've been doing to be able to whip up charts & articles & Fashion Collections & Historical Information etc up at a moments notice! Mind boggling & Sooo Very Appreciated! Thank you for this gift!:)BeccaUSA

So exciting = I've baked chocolate chips and plan to indulge in every sense of the word. I know I shall be exhausted at week's end - and won't get half the things done I should be what fun it will be. So soon now....

For arrival look I think it will be a dress and not a coat (base on the heat). But I hope she will wear a hat. Just because... there are not too many occations to wear hats and I like looking at them. Gives the arrival some gravitas. Maybe she will wear green? She seem to like greens and it is in the flag :)

Hmm. thinking a bit more.. the first thing they'll do is a memorial and meeting staff that worked during the terror attack. So maybe something more subdued. But it at least gives me more hope on the hat :P

I tried to reply to you Courtney from nc but something went wrong. Trying again... Just want you to know I'll be thinking of you on Monday, Courtney, and know you'll be in good hands. Hope all goes well with your surgery, check in when you are up to it and let us know how you are :)

Will also be thinking of you too, Charlotte! Thank you for all of your fantastic information and blog. Know that you are loved and appreciated by many and we thank you!

Good morning everyone!!:-)) Charlotte u r amazing!!!! Thanks for the Telegraph article, very useful indeed. I love hearing she is gonna wear Roksanda, I think she has some excellent design, also Temperley looks promising. A bit disappointed that we ain't see her in traditional clothing, but we couldn't have it all.

i'm so excited counting the hours i just love the florial gown i think she would look fab in it pretty funny how you dressed william does anyone know how long a flight it is? i just can't wait to see what she has on when she steps off of the plane thank you so much charlotte for all of your hard work so far and what is ahead for you you really are the best love the new heading counting down with you all

Hey Charlotte you mustn't have any cricket tragics in your family because there's no such thing as an ex-cricketer - that's heresy! :) Especially not Sachin Tendulkur who's one of the greats of the game (up there with Don Bradman) & has god-like status in India. He's usually always got the words 'cricket legend' attached to his name.

Indians are cricket mad and one of the fun things about travelling in India is that everyone wants to talk to you about cricket. The modern forms of the game like the Indian Premier League & the Big Bash series in Australia mean that all the international stars now play in multi-national teams as well as national teams so all the players are well known across the cricketing world.

The Cambridges are members of Lords & Prince William has met all the test teams so they'll be able to hold their own in cricket conversations. Just part of the fun of this tour.

Agree Anett! I'm sure they can order whatever they want to eat and though they seem to be a lot more low maintenance than the older royals, their aides may have already provided the chefs who will be catering for them with their food preferences. It would be a tricky balance - not eating something that you aren't fond of and that could in fact make you feel unwell (in terms of spices doing a number on your tummy), and not offending your hosts by not trying the local cuisine. I suspect they would also want to play it safe with eating anything that might make them feel icky in the tummy (again in terms of spices not agreeing with them) when they are meeting people and travelling so much during the course of their visit.I recall reading an article in DM or one of those papers (could have been conjecture but I think in this case it was largely accurate) about the Queen's culinary palette and how she favours plainer food (no garlic,onion or spices) in her own home but when she travels to other countries she is even more particular about what she eats - no shellfish in case of food poisoning, no garlic so as not to offend people with strong odours and when in Italy on a visit her hosts' chefs were allegedly instructed not to serve long pastas like spaghetti as they ran the risk of splattering sauce on HM'S clothing. Again, some is quite likely true but other claims (like the pasta) may be slightly embellished. I think HM was happy to try the cultural food presented by her hosts in her younger days (such as sea cucumber on one of her visits to the Orient) but probably plays it safer now to preserve her health and maintain her preferences for plainer food (not to say that 'plain' food is not pleasant - pheasant rissoles, for example, are apparently one of her favourite things to eat and they sound pretty good to me).On a side note, I am cooking two curries from scratch for dinner tonight (we usually eat curry atleast twice a week) - a beef vindaloo and a madras chicken. You never really need an excuse to make curry in my opinion, but I feel that its especially fitting tonight! :) cannot wait to see the Cambridges disembarking very soon!

Haha Rebecca, I definitely had that on my radar :) hubby and i love indian food but we like it to pack a punch and be very spicy, which most of our family members can't tolerate. I can appreciate that in W&K's case, consideration would definitely have to be given to potential health issues, especially given the short length of their stay and their packed schedule.Bluehare, vegetarian curry is just as fantastic (in fact i might make a vegetarian curry too) - indian takeaways tonight perhaps?

Haha, I've never eaten indian food and am a wuss when it comes to food so I can't say :P But I wonder if delivery and cooking of indian food with be increased this week (at least among royal followers)

I didn't know that you were vegetarian bluhare - so much for Leo's stroganoff. I am thinking we'll do a curry later in the week, classic chicken for us, nothing fancy like Sherry's I'm afraid, but I love vindaloo.

I'm certain the royals have very specific requirements, much like the queen, can't risk getting a bit of tummy. Somewhere recently, I read Charles is terribly particular - even Debo thought him rude when he brought his own breakfast requirements to Chatsworth, don't know if it's true but it does sound like him!

I do think Kate will choose something quiet to wear for a start because of the memorial visit - and surely not a coat in that heat - or I'll have to eat my hat, and I've only got one and need it for weddings.

Dinner it is. I'm in Aus, so you'd better get going! I'll have some dhaal, raita, pappadums and naan bread ready for you too:) all are welcome and we can critique the start of the tour together!Rebecca,I'm determined to get you to try it from across the ocean! The great thing about curry is that you can make it as mild or strong as you like (both in terms of chilli and spices). A nice curry sauce will take you to a very happy place, especially in cold weather - believe me! Anett, it must have been meant to be -i hope you enjoy your lunch! I am back to stirring my sauce while i keep an eye on the blog! :)Ps. I'm very interested to see how Kate balances her outfit against the weather, cultural considerations with regards to the appropriateness of dress length etc., as well as being respectfully attired for the wreath-laying service. I am sure that no matter what, her heart will be in the right place, and though a lot of pressure is on her to respectfully look the part, we can be fairly sure that she means well no matter what she wears when she comes down those plane steps.

Curry is so great. I have this wonderful Indian cook book a friend brought back from India, she is married to an Indian, lots of spicy but not hot hot recipes and heaps of vegetarian. My favourite, I think, is the whole chicken stuffed with all sorts of spices and nuts and cooked very slowly over hours in infused milk. Love eating foods from all over the world.

Indian spices are so good for you. Turmeric, etc.They had an Indian cooking program on PBS here and the Indian lady would explain as she added the spices to the food what the various health benefits were of the spices. When Indian women marry they receive like an artist's palette of various spices. It is called something but I don't recall what at the moment.

Okay..so I have been desperately trying to keep myself busy as we wait...my kitchen has never been so clean...!

I think for arrivals it will be sheath dress...it seems like wind is always a problem at airports and I don't think she would risk another near miss like Australia (although I LOVED that outfit). A hat would be fantastic and I agree...would maybe be appropriate since they are going to the memorial...but I suspect not. Hoping for a great start to this tour.....

As far as a prediction for the arrival outfit I am thinking of something on the dark side of the color palette because of the wreath laying. @WhatKateWore showed a Catherine Walker dress that could fit the bill. It is called the "Tidal Dress" and starts at the top in light blue and ends at the bottom in navy blue. And her hair should definitely be half up, half down.

Unfortunately I had a problem with my smart phone and have been busy trying to get it up and running, so I have missed some of the fanfare on here. And I have been so looking forward to it. This is exciting. So glad to see many of you on here that often comment. Very impressive to see this many.

Hmm.. I just realized. Might the reason for no photos at the airport be because they're flying commercial? How did they fly to Australia. I know they flew commercial and then changed plane. Can it be that because there are "normal people" on the same plane that they dont take the photos. Because.. there must be a different procedure for those photo op exits.

That's a really good point Rebecca. I forgot they were flying commercial. And I am sure it would be British Airways! Can you imagine....getting on your flight and walking down the aisle past Will and Kate?? I am always surprized when they do this....

I dont know about mumbai, but other airports in India have very strict security. People who aren't flying cant go inside, or if they can, it is only into a small 'visitors' section. I assume mumbai is the same so no photo opportunities of W&K walking out?

Just saying HI from Australia - 4pm here and dinner made early, dishes done, kids settled in play, and a late coffee made as I sit at laptop and wait for the first sighting! So exciting. My little secret hobby - royal tour stalking! Been looking at their ROYAL Tour in NZ - arrivas - you tube videos and had a few tingles seeing them arrive off the aeroplane in Windy Wellington my old hometown - that was a dramatic descent down those stairs! Thanks Jane. Enjoy!!!!Theresa

Also Charlotte. Something little I thought of. You might want to put somewhere in this text and remind people about the Load more button since it will probably show up on this post and there might be alot of new people on here a day like this :) Just a thought :)

I am so unbelievably excited for yhis tour! I think everyone should go to India (but I may be biased) and to have my favourite royal couple visit this amazing land has me giddy. Haha. Sadly, I return to work tomorrow after 2 weeks off. But i'll have somd great posts abd comments to read every night when I return home.

Im glad there are others out there who are as excited as I am. Makes me feel less silly.

Yes, I did mean to say thank you Charlotte. This is first one I have commented "live". I think I viewed during one of the births (George's I believe) and did not know I could comment. Hopefully you got some rest during the day in order to do this "live" presentation. Anyway.....thanks so much Charlotte!!! I will say it again. This is exciting!!!!

First impressions: i LOVE it! Red ia her colour, in my opinion, so that was an instant win for me. The pattern is very appropriate but not too busy. I know the peplum design might prove to be divisive, but for me it works so well here. The shoes are perfect - subtle nude colour which doesn't detract from the dress but rather picks up the lighter hues in it. I think having her hair down is her signature look, though for me personally I think a half-up, half-down do would have looked fresher.The verdict: Great start to the Duchess of Cambridge's tour wardrobe degustation! :)Ps. I do daydream sometimes about having Natasha Archer's job - not as much in the fashion adviser role (if she indeed provides this service), but the rest of the PA role. Becca's too. I woupd love that role, but it would be extremely demanding on your personal time. Kudos to them for sticking with it!They will all certainly sleep well tonight. Though I'm sure they would have got some shut-eye on the flight, it is still exhausting to fly that distance and then have to get straight in to business and have an evening event to attend as well.

I thought the arrival outfit was very appropriate and I loved the earrings with this look. (Not so much on Thursday. :))

Regarding Natasha, I was a wee bit surprised at the length of her dress, to be honest. I'm not prude and I even questioned Kate wearing a floor length dress in KP, but this was, well.....not what I expected. ;)

No offense to anyone, but I am not a fan of Natasha or Amanda, as per their employment by Kate. I think she needs a professional stylist and another hairdresser. I thought the length of Natasha's outfit was very inappropriate also. And she advises Kate sartorially???? I did like Natasha's new hair style though. I doubt that Amanda did that, no offense.

Wowza! Kate looks awesome in the red dress and jimmy choo Gilbert pumps in kid leather! Low key arrival it seems. Indian media is known to be very rowdy and indisciplined. I've witnessed many times in Bollywood functions!

Anyways, this is exciting! I totally forgot about the superbly talented Vibhu Mohapatra! I hope she wears his clothes!

McQueen and the Duchess:the greatest of combinations. Everything about the dress, from the neckline to the sleeves, screams class and quality. She looks understandably tired but very happy. I think the cultural aspect of this tour will set it apart not only in terms of the wardrobe choices, but their general demeanour and interactions with the people they meet. Thank you very much Charlotte for your amazing dedication to this live blog and the blog in general. Now have a cuppa and put your feet up before doing anything else!

Awake at 3:30 here too, so might as well check to see what's happening on the other side of the globe...I am thrilled to see Kates arrival outfit! Very very beautiful and most importantly, colorful! However, in the arrival video, I was dismayed by the way Kate is carrying herself. Her slouching and that two handed clutching of her clutch, really detracts from her look. Granted she must be tired from the traveling. But the impression is that she is so lacking in confidence so she is trying to hide behind her purse. Very awkward looking. I honestly think this is a habit that maybe she is unaware of how it comes across in photos. It wouldn't take much effort to practice holding it in one hand and letting her arms swing naturally at her side, and the habit could be broken. Same thing with the slouching; it implies that you are not comfortable with your height.

I'm afraid I don't like that outfit at all. The pattern of the blouse is much too busy with the Duchess' hair style and the cut of the blouse makes it odd fitting. IMO, especially, the shoes do not at all compliment the outfit. Much too heavy for the pattern and fabric.For me, it is a miss. Sorry !

I didn't like the outfit at all either, Theresa. The fit on the top is all off kilter and it messes up the top of the sleeves also. The print is matronly and the fabric looks like it would not be the best in a hot climate.The color is nice on her though. I do not like the earrings. Never have. Sorry. They do nothing for her. I guess the best part of the shoes is the comfort that they say is built into the shoe. I like the style and even the color, although with this outfit, if her shoes had been red to match the dress that would have been very nice. Hope they have a lot of fun though.

@Florida Girl: I did the same here in Colorado lol! Hope I can get back to sleep, too excited now!

This debut outfit gets both thumbs up from me. It's appropriate yet bold; a nod to traditional yet sartorially surprising for the Duchess! I love it. She looks AMAZING after a red-eye flight & the heat. I'd be wilting!

i love the red on her the pattern is also very pretty it's deffenitly a hit nude shoes again she needs some color and a much different style in inda don't you all think charlotte thanks so much for the fast pic and all of the hard work you have done you will probely need a vacation yourself after the week is up

Florida Girl, I suspect she started the trip in casual, comfortable clothes and got changed and had her hair primped etc.as they approached Mumbai. It would be too uncomfortable to wear an outfit like that for a 9 hour flight, not to mention the risk of spilling food/drink and also creasing of the dress material from extended sitting in the same position.I imagine that there is room in the first/business class restroom for her to get changed, and then she would have had her hair and make up refreshed in the cabin.

I agree, surely she didn't travel in that! You're right, first class restrooms are bigger, I suppose. I was just imagining her getting that fixed up in a normal sized airplane restroom - but, it's just a two-piece outfit, not a ball gown. If they did buy out the entire first class area maybe a curtain was hung up or something.

Comments are most welcome! Constructive discussion is always encouraged but off topic or hateful remarks will not be published.

We ask you use a name when posting (a pseudonym such as the name of a royal you like or anything you wish). If you do not wish to use the sign in options, simply select the "Name/URL" option on the drop down menu and insert your name, and if you wish the country/state you're from. You can leave the URL blank.

If there are a large number of comments, it is necessary to click the 'Load More' button at the end of the comments section to see the latest additions.